Rafa Benitez claims that he has advised his players against looking at the table.

Newcastle United’s hopes of avoiding relegation took another turn for the worse after a 3-2 loss against fellow relegation rivals Norwich City. This was a match Newcastle needed to win at all costs in order to help themselves out of the drop zone. Due to the substantial difference building between the drop zone and clubs placed in the 15^th, it will be far difficult for any team to think about avoiding relegation without pulling the likes of Norwich or Crystal Palace into the mix.

The inverse has happened during the weekend, as Norwich have been able to build a four-point advantage over Sunderland and an even bigger six-point advantage over Newcastle. This puts them firmly in control going into the final few weeks of the campaign. Benitez is yet to test his first victory as Newcastle manager. Recent reports suggested that the Spaniard is in line to become the head coach of the Spanish national team after the Euro 2016. Benitez has a release clause his contract that will allow him to leave St James’s Park should Newcastle get relegated to the second division.

The club face Southampton in the next English league match. Newcastle need more than just draws and the club’s last league win was in January.“It’s one game at a time. We cannot see the table.We have to think about Southampton, and try to improve our team and be ready for the next one.We will try to get three points in the next one. Obviously, every week you will see something a little bit better, but we don’t have too much time.That is why we have to start winning in the next game if possible,” said the former Chelsea and Liverpool boss.